A Modular Boat You Can Reconfigure for Work or Play

You want a fishing boat, but the rest of your family wants a cabin cruiser. It's a problem that's been plaguing well-off families who can't afford both for years. Thankfully, Italian boat builder Azure Embark has found a solution with its Ethos E30 that features a modular design that can be reconfigured for different types of activities.

Kind of like a giant Lego set that doesn't hurt to walk on, the Ethos E30 features removable panels on the deck and walls that allow equipment and furniture to be easily installed or removed. And with both multiple hookups for electricity and plumbing every few feet, there's a lot of flexibility when it comes to installing everything from appliances to the kitchen sink.

When left empty the E30 serves as a floating pickup truck, perfect for hauling dive equipment, or even smaller watercraft. But it can be filled with rows of seats and used as a tour boat, or even outfitted with a full on enclosed cabin complete with sleeping quarters and a kitchen.

Starting at just north of $175,000/£106,700 for the basic empty version, the 31-foot Ethos E30's price tag can skyrocket to just over $200,000/£122,000 when fully equipped. So while it's not the cheapest cottage toy you can buy, it's cheaper than buying multiple boats (and paying for their gas and insurance) to appease everyone's hobbies. [Azure Embark via Gizmag]